Yes I know – Wakkerstroom is nowhere near the Kruger National Park. But we wanted a stay over to break the journey from Howick to Malelane. We drove over 300 kms in just under 4 hours and we had a further 380 to Malelane so this was a good place to stop over in particular for a bit of birding.

The cottage accommodation at Birdlife South Africa, Wakkerstroom was very reasonably priced and comfortable to boot– a bonus. Well worth spending time there in future and taking a guide to see the local specials – Botha’s and Rudd’s Larks, Blue and White-bellied Korhaan, Yellow-breasted Pipit to name a few.

We arrived early – at midday – so we were able to explore the wetland area next to the town during the afternoon.

Wakkerstroom Wetlands

Wakkerstroom Wetlands

Wakkerstroom Wetlands

Wakkerstroom Wetlands

Wakkerstroom Wetlands and town

Wakkerstroom Wetlands and town

Wakkerstroom Wetlands and town

Wakkerstroom Wetlands from the bridge

Wakkerstroom Wetlands

The wetlands are fairly extensive and full of wildlife – predominantly birds. Which contrasts markedly with all the dams we passed on the way to Wakkerstroom.

During the afternoon we identified 59 different bird species – click here to see the list.

Wakkerstroom Wetlands and town map

Noticeable were the many African Snipes on the mudbanks beside the road leading up to the bridge close to the hides.

African Snipe

Pictures of other waterbirds photographed.

African Purple Swamphen

African Purple Swamphen

European Bee-eater

Lesser Swamp Warbler

South African Shelduck female

Whiskered Tern

Whiskered Tern

Whiskered Tern

Splash down

African Spoonbill

Squacco Heron

On a drive out of town towards Piet Retief (R543), we came across some unusual mammal species – Sable to start with then some we had not seen before and took a long while to identify.

Wakkerstroom Special

Wakkerstroom Specials

Wakkerstroom Specials

Wakkerstroom Specials – a right mixture

Wakkerstroom Specials – yet another

Wakkerstroom Specials

Can you identify them?

The following morning we left early and arrived at Malelane Camp at midday. Previously we had to check in at Berg-en-dal but now check in is at the gate when you enter the Kruger Park – a sensible and welcome change.